International Orthodox Christian Charities Responds to Devastation of Hurricane Harvey

August 28, 2017 (Baltimore, MD) — The National Weather Service predicts an additional 50 inches of rainfall in the Houston area, potentially causing loss of life, extensive property damage, and hardship for the residents of the US’ fourth-largest city. Fatalities are estimated to be five people, with thousands more displaced across Southern Texas and Louisiana. “The breadth and intensity of this rainfall are beyond anything experienced before,” the weather service said. “Catastrophic flooding is now underway and expected to continue for days.”

IOCC, the official humanitarian agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, is closely monitoring the continuing flooding and aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Staff members remain in contact with partners, including members of national and local VOADs (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and local ecumenical partners, to support and provide support as needed.

Additionally, IOCC is activating the Frontliners – a volunteer group of clergy and laity who are highly trained in emotional and spiritual care counseling and rapid needs assessment – to deploy to Southern Texas within the week.

IOCC continues praying for the safety and well-being of those threatened by this storm. Your gift to our Hurricane Harvey Response Fund (iocc.org/Harvey) will help IOCC to respond with flexibility and efficiency to conditions on the ground as they develop, as well as to help the people of Southern Texas and Louisiana as they recover and rebuild months and years after the storm subsides.

“We pray for the people in the Houston region, a place close to my heart having grown up there,” said Constantine (Dean) Triantafilou, IOCC CEO and Executive Director. “While the weather forecast may hint at danger, you can never fully anticipate the scope and scale of what will come — it is important to remember that our faith sustains us even in the most challenging of situations”

Please check in with us for the latest information by following IOCCRelief on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, emailing relief@iocc.org, or giving a call back. We also encourage you to visit iocc.org/where-we-work/united-states to learn more about opportunities to get involved by giving a financial gift or volunteering your time. In addition, we also anticipate the need for many clean up buckets and hygiene kits, details for collecting these kits can be found here: iocc.org/kits.

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IOCC’s first disaster response took place following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We partner with national organizations like VOAD to help with response and recovery efforts around the US in the face of floods, tornadoes, and other natural and man-made disasters.